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United States Coast Guard
Officer Candidate School
(OCS)
Officer Accession Handbook
21 February 2017
Contents
Introduction – 1
Approved Physical – 2
Background Investigation – 3
NCIC/Credit Check – 4
Prior Service Conditional Release – 5
Weight Standards – 6
Post Selection Process OCS Program Candidates - 7
Check Sheet – 11
Appendix (1) – From Selection to Commissioning Timeline
Appendix (2) – Screening Weights & Maximum Allowable Body
Fat Percentage
Appendix (3) – Commission Weigh-In Worksheet
Appendix (4) –Health and Physical Readiness
Introduction/Purpose
Congratulations on your selection as a candidate for
commissioning into the U. S. Coast Guard!
The purpose of this handbook is to explain the importance of required
accession documents and the time frame for submissions. It is your
responsibility to make sure that all required information is completed in
a timely matter to make this transition. All applicants must complete
everything that is required to remain eligible.
1
Approved Physical
Make sure that your recruiter has sent your physical up for approval by Coast
Guard Recruiting Command (CG RC) with all additional documents.
Regular commission physicals are valid for two years from the
examination date. Flight physicals are valid for one year from the
examination date.
Additional documents and waivers require additional time for approval. Make sure
your recruiter receives the additional documents immediately. All physicals must
be approved by CG RC.
Any physical that will expire prior to going to Officer Candidate School (OCS),
will require you to make arrangement to have a new physical conducted
immediately. Expired physicals will not be accepted.
When an applicant requires a physical for accession into the US Coast Guard,
regardless of program, recruiters shall use a MEPS for the accession physical,
unless the physical was administered at a Coast Guard Clinic. If a MEPS is not
available, the recruiter may use the local Military Treatment Facility, provided
the recruiter ensures all elements of the physical are completed prior to
forwarding to CG RC to avoid delays in the applicants qualification process. Please note, MTF physicals are only valid for one year from date of
examination.
2
Background Investigation
All applicants must be eligible for a security clearance prior to entering
the Coast Guard. Deadlines for eligibility are significant for you to have
a successful commissioning. There are two possible ways of becoming
eligible for your security clearance. Your recruiter will assist you in the
process.
1. Reciprocity - this is the simplest and swiftest way to become
eligible. To qualify you must already have a background
investigation with a military service or a federal agency. The
recruiter will submit your reciprocity form (CG-5588) for
approval. The recruiter will have a response back on the
approval within 48 hours. If for some reason you are not
eligible, the recruiter will need to initiate your e-QIP.
2. e-QIP - the second method of becoming eligible for your
security clearance. You will need to complete an electronic
copy of your investigation. Your recruiter will initiate and
assist you with the process. The e-QIP must be filled out
properly or there is a possibility it could be returned
“ incomplete” by the agency that reviews the investigation.
This process can take months, so make sure you do not
postpone this procedure.
3
NCIC/Credit Check
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and a Credit Check will be
completed on you within 180 days of your commissioning. Any
negative findings may require additional documentation and may make
you ineligible for a commission.
Your recruiter will be responsible for sending up a DD-369 (NCIC) and
a DHS Form 11000-9 (Credit) to CG RC that has an expiration date less
than a year old.
4
Prior Service Conditional Release
If you are coming from another service or a different component of the
Coast Guard, you will need a conditional release (DD-368). This form
allows a service member to transfer from one service/component to
another.
This form requires the service member to receive approval from the
proper approving official. Your recruiter can locate this information in
the CG RC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual
(CGRCINST M1100.1).
Conditional releases are only valid for a certain time-period. The time-
period is normally only 90 days but can be longer in some cases. Your
conditional release must be valid up to or past the day that you will be
commissioned. Make sure that you know the expiration date and you
promptly have it updated if the conditional release is going to expire
before your commissioning date. This process can be lengthy and could
take up to 60 days for approval for some services.
Any service member on active duty (except for Coast Guard members)
will be required to have their command sign an official Coast Guard
Memorandum. The memorandum will state that the applicant will be
released from their service the day before being enlisted in the Coast
Guard.
5
Weight Standards
Compliance with weight standards is crucial for all applicants to receive
a commission and have a successful career in the United States Coast
Guard. Please review the weight chart in Appendix (2) and determine
your maximum allowable weight.
The Recruiter-in-Charge will weigh all Non-Coast Guard members up to
30 days prior to going to OCS (Appendix (3)). If you are not compliant
or you do not get weighed, you will not receive orders to class.
You will be weighed-in again when you report to OCS. If you are
not compliant, you will be disenrolled from the class.
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve applicants’ Admin will complete
their weigh-ins. Coast Guard members who are not compliant will be
held accountable and will lose their opportunity to commission.
Any applicant determined to not be complaint with weight standards or
who does not weigh-in will not be commissioned or attend their
respective school/course. All completed weigh-in worksheets for OCS
will be emailed directly to [email protected] by the Recruiter-
In-Charge.
6
Post Selection Process for OCS Program
Candidates
CIVILIAN SELECTEES
You will be enlisted by your recruiter prior to attending OCS. CG RC will send
an “authorization to enlist” letter and weigh-in sheet when you meet all eligibility
requirements to your recruiter.
Once the recruiter receives the “authorization to enlist” letter, he/she will contact
you to set up an appointment to come in to be enlisted.
Civilians with no prior military service shall be enlisted for a period of eight (8)
years as Seaman Apprentice Officer Applicant (SAOC). Former enlisted
members of the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve shall be enlisted in the rate
held at time of separation for a period of four (4) years. Former enlisted
members or officers of another military service shall be enlisted as SAOC for
four (4) years.
The recruiter will conduct your weigh in 30 days prior to reporting to the Coast
Guard Academy (CGA) to ensure you are in compliance with the weight standards
prior to enlistment. If you are not in compliance with the weight standards you
will not be enlisted. If you are in compliance, the recruiter will proceed with the
enlistment.
After you are enlisted, the recruiter will send the original enlistment contract
(DD4) to CG RC, Attn: Mrs. Izola Proctor.
Upon receipt of the enlistment contract, Mrs. Proctor will send the enlistment
contract along with the required documents listed on the left side of the OCS
check-off sheet to the SPO at the CGA for accession. Your name will be added
to DEERS to allow you to get your CAC/ID card.
7
The recruiter will assist you with locating the nearest DEERS facility. You must
have a CAC/ID card prior to reporting to OCS. Please allow 2-3 business days
for the SPO at the CGA to process the accession before trying to obtain your
CAC/ID card.
Once you are accessed, the SPO will send your EMPLID to CG RC to generate
“Standard Travel Orders.”
Mrs. Proctor will send the orders to your recruiter to assist you in setting up travel
and household goods storage. You should expect to receive your Standard Travel
Orders within 2 weeks after your accession has been processed.
House Hold Goods (HHG): You should get your HHG’s storage set up ASAP
once you receive your orders. The recruiter will help you locate the closest
Transportation/HHG’s office, which will assist you in setting up your HHG’s
storage. You will need your EMPLID and copy of orders before they can start
your HHG’s process. Please give someone in your household power of attorney.
It may not be possible for you to be present for the HHG’s pick up. Moving your
household goods takes time and you could be in school or at your first unit. A
power of attorney will give a family member permission to ship your household
goods on your behalf.
TRAVEL MODE: You are authorized to drive your POV or fly.
Drive POV - Notify your recruiter of the city/state and mileage from your home to
the Academy. The Coast Guard will only authorize travel from your Place of
Entry into Active Duty (PLEAD) to the CGA. Any deviation will be at your own
expense and not reimbursed.
Fly - Notify your recruiter of the airport you are departing from and the exact date.
ADTRAV will require that info on your original orders; otherwise they will not
accept them. The Coast Guard will only authorize travel from your PLEAD to the
CGA, any deviation will be at your expense.
ADMIN ITEMS: You should hand carry your medical record, CGA
Immunization Record and travel orders. Your commission physical
exam will be sent to the CGA by CG RC prior to you reporting.
Civilian Selectees only, shall wear appropriate business attire with a
white v-neck t-shirt under their clothing when reporting.
8
CG MEMBERS SELECTEES
CG RC will issue Standard Travel Orders in Direct Access for Coast Guard
members on active duty or serving in the Coast Guard Reserve, indicating the
OCS class convening date.
For SELRES members receiving an OCS-R Commission, you will need to ensure
your PDS Admin/SPO has entered and approved your IADT orders for pay and
allowances while at OCS. The orders you receive from CG RC are for Travel and
HHG’s ONLY.
If you are married, you will receive TDY orders. If you are single, you will
receive PCS orders. If you decide to go PCS in lieu of TDY, please contact Mrs.
Proctor by email at [email protected] or phone:
(202) 795-6836. Changing married members’ orders will be handled on a case by
case basis. You must be counseled by your PDS SPO on the affect to your
entitlements and CG RC must have confirmation from your SPO that it has been
done. An approval of your request to change your orders will depend on your
situation, and will be handled on a case by case basis.
Your orders must be authenticated by your SPO/Admin. The notes on the
orders CG RC generates are basic/generic. Any travel entitlements are entered
on the orders by your SPO/Admin.
Your SPO/Admin will require authorization from CG RC if an amendment to
travel is required. Please contact Mrs. Izola W. Proctor. Your SPO/Admin is
responsible for completing all amendments to orders after authorization is
requested. The only amendments authorized are to your Mode of Transportation.
Members are authorized 01 travel days for all TDY orders, unless traveling from
Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, Asia or Europe
8 10
9
Finally, make sure you give someone in your household power of attorney. It
may not be possible for you to be present for the HHG’s pick up. Moving your
household goods takes time and you could be in school or at your first unit. A
power of attorney will give a family member permission to ship your household
goods on your behalf.
Congratulations and we wish you the best of luck!
10
Check Sheet
1. Physical completed and approved (All Applicants)
2. Waivers Approved (All Applicants)
3. Reciprocity or EQIP completed (Prior Service and Civilians)
4. NCIC and Credit Checks are favorable (Prior Service and
Civilians)
5. Conditional Release (Prior Service)
6. Commission Weigh-In completed (All Applicants)
7. Enlistment Contract (DD4) administered (Civilians)
8. CAC obtained (Prior Service and Civilians)
9. House Hold Goods completed (All Applicants)
Note: The first seven items must be completed and approved in order
for the applicants to receive their OCS Orders.
11
Officer Application Job Aid Kit
2. For Officer Candidate School Selectees (civilians)
Appendix(1)
a. Approx 1 Month After Panel: CG RC will provide unofficial selection results
to recruiters, recruiters will inform applicants of their status.
b. Approx 1-2 Months After Panel: Panel Report approved by CG-PSC-c (Coast
Guard Personnel Service Center), enabling the following to occur:
(1) CG RC will send official selection notification letters directly to
primary selectees, alternates, non-selectees, and disqualified applicants.
(2) Selection letters will indicate which OCS class the selectee will be attending
(OCS classes convene in early January or during the summer).
(3) Selection letters emphasize that selection is conditional on the selectee’s
ability to continue to meet all commissioning requirements.
(4) The selectee can render their official acceptance via email or letter to CG RC.
c. CG RC forwards an “Authorization to Enlist” letter to selectee’s
recruiter (approx 60-90 days prior to OCS convening).
(1) Contingent upon selectee continuing to meet all eligibility requirements.
(2) CG RC will ensure background checks and commissioning physicals are up
to date prior to issuing this letter.
d. Enlist in the USCG (approx 60-90 days prior to OCS convening)
(1) Recruiter will execute the Oath of Enlistment for the selectee (Recruiter can
execute the Oath of Enlistment as soon as the “Authorization to Enlist” letter
is received.
(2) Recruiter will forward original enlistment contract (DD-4) to CGRC: ATTN
Mrs. Izola Proctor.
(3) Upon receipt of DD4, CG RC (Mrs. Proctor) will forward to the Central
Accession Point (CAP) in New London, CT, along with the selectee’s other
accession and pay paperwork from their application package.
e. Receive Information From OCS School Staff (approx 45-60 days prior to
OCS):
(1) You will receive a Pre-Reporting Memorandum (via email) from the OCS
School Staff
39
Note about timing: all timing estimates should be considered approximate.
39
Officer Application Job Aid Kit Appendix(1)
(2) You will be provided with the link to the current OCS Pre-Reporting Guide,
including information about “what to bring” to OCS.
(3) You will be instructed to complete a fitness self-assessment and forward
results to the OCS Health Promotions Coordinator no later than 30 days prior
to attending OCS.
(4) You will be instructed to provide your boot size no later than 30 days prior to
Attending OCS.
f. Hire (approx. 45 days prior to OCS)
(1) CAP will hire selectee in the CG human resources system and assign an
EMPLID (employee identification number).
(2) CAP sends EMPLID to CGRC.
g. Travel Orders (approx 30 days prior to OCS)
(1) CG RC will generate a Standard Travel Order (Permanent Change of
Station orders).
(2) CGRC will send travel orders to selectee’s recruiter to set up travel and
schedule house hold goods move via a local travel office.
h. Begin Travel to OCS: On the date authorized by your orders, you will begin
travel to Officer Candidate School in New London, CT.
i. Report to OCS: Begin 17 weeks of Officer Candidate School!
j. Graduate OCS: Receive commission as ENS in USCG (CWOs with 21 or more
months as a CWO will commission as a LTJG).
k. Report to first unit: Following graduation and commissioning.
40
Final note about weight and fitness: Your compliance with physical standards (weight and
medical) will be verified several times throughout this process. Please ensure you are
maintaining your physical fitness and weight standards in accordance with the eligibility
criteria relevant to your program’s section in the O‐JAK. Non‐compliance with weight
standards will be cause for disenrollment at OCS.
40
Officer Application Job Aid Kit Appendix(1)
3. For Officer Candidate School Selectees (CG members)
a. 1 Month After Panel: CG RC will provide unofficial selection results
to recruiters, recruiters will inform applicants of their status.
b. 1-2 Months After Panel: Panel Report approved by CG-PSC-c (Coast Guard
Personnel Service Center), enabling the following to occur:
(1) CG RC will issue CGMS message on the ALCGRECRUITING
message board, promulgating panel results
(2) CG RC will send Selection Letters to Primary and Alternate Selectees
(non- selects will not receive a letter. The ALCGRECRUITING message
substantiates as notification for nonselects).
(3) Selection letters will indicate which OCS class the selectee will be attending
(OCS classes convene in early January and during the summer). Please note
that CGRC coordinated class date in advance with CG-PSC-epm.
(4) Selection letters emphasize that selection is conditional on the selectee’s
ability to continue to meet all commissioning requirements.
(5) The selectee can render their official acceptance via email or letter to CGRC
c. Receive Information From OCS School Staff (approx 45-60 days prior to
OCS):
(1) You will receive a Pre-Reporting Memorandum (via email) from the OCS
School Staff
(2) You will be provided with the link to the current OCS Pre-Reporting Guide,
including information about “what to bring” to officer candidate school.
(3) You will be instructed to complete a fitness self-assessment and forward
results to the OCS Health Promotions Coordinator no later than 30 days prior
to attending OCS.
41
Note about uniforms: Current CG members may bring their own uniforms,
provided they have a full sea‐bag, and all uniforms are fully serviceable and
in excellent condition. Uniforms must be free from rank insignia (which
includes being free from holes in the collar left over from previous rank
insignia, and free from sewn‐on patches on the ODU collars).
Note about timing: all timing estimates should be considered approximate.
41
Officer Application Job Aid Kit
d. Travel Orders (approx 30-45 days prior to OCS)
Appendix(1)
(1) CG RC will request orders and issue orders in Direct Access
(2) Selectee’s SPO will prepare and execute travel orders (typically TDY orders
for married CG members)
e. Begin Travel to OCS (several days prior to OCS): On the date authorized by
your orders, you will begin travel to Officer Candidate School in New London,
CT.
f. Report to OCS: Begin 17 weeks of Officer Candidate School!
g. Graduate OCS: Receive commission as ENS in USCG! (CWOs with 21 or
more months as a CWO commission as LTJG)
h. Return to Unit (TDY members only): Following graduation and
commissioning, return to your previous unit.
i. Report PCS to First Unit as ENS: PCS from your previous unit to your new job
as an ENS!
42
Final note about weight and fitness: Your compliance with physical standards (weight and
medical) will be verified several times throughout this process. Please ensure you are
maintaining your physical fitness and weight standards in accordance with the eligibility
criteria relevant to your program’s section in the O‐JAK. Non‐compliance with weight
standards will be cause for disenrollment at OCS.
42
Appendix (2) SCREENING WEIGHTS & MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE BODY FAT PERCENTAGE
A. Screening Weights. Screening weights listed below are age and gender neutral. Service
members who fall below the minimum weight standards shall be referred for a medical
evaluation.
Minimum Screening Weight (lbs) Height (inches) Maximum Screening Weight (lbs)
91 58 131
94 59 136
97 60 141
100 61 145
104 62 150
107 63 155
110 64 160
114 65 165
117 66 170
121 67 175
125 68 180
128 69 186
132 70 191
136 71 197
140 72 202
144 73 208
148 74 214
152 75 220
156 76 225
160 77 231
164 78 237
168 79 244
173 80 250
B. Maximum Allowable Body Fat Percentage (MABF). Members who exceed both Maximum
Screening Weight and MABF are considered non-compliant with this policy and subject to
administrative actions outlined in Chapter 3 of this manual.
Age Percent Body Fat (Men) Percent Body Fat (Women)
Less than 30 22% 32%
Less than 40 24% 34%
Age 40 or greater 26% 36%
Record of Officer Commission Weigh-In
DATE: PROGRAM: CLASS:
Appendix(3)
FULL NAME: AGE:
BLOCK 1: All members, initial screening, no shoes
ODU w/ blouse – subtract 4.0 lbs.
Tropical Blue or organizational clothing– subtract 3 lbs.
T-shirt and trousers or sweatpants - subtract 2 lbs.
T-shirt and gym shorts - subtract 1 lb.
BLOCK 2: Body fat determination (if needed)
AGE MAXIMUM BODY FAT Enter MAX body fat
%
MEN WOMEN
LESS THAN
30 22% 32%
LESS THAN 40
24% 34%
40 and above 26% 36%
Enter Circumference Value as determined below inches
Enter Body fat from CIM 1020.8H enclosure (2) %
Compliant? Y N
Circumference Value determination:
Waist Round down to nearest half-inch.
Measure over the bellybutton for
males, smallest point for females.
+ Buttocks (females only, use 0
for males) Round down to nearest half-inch. Measure the widest point when viewed from side.
- Neck Round up to nearest half-
inch, measure below
larynx
= Total
Set 1 + - =
Set 2 + - =
Set 3 + - =
Compare the three totals. Is any difference greater than 1.0? Set 1 total - Set 2 total = Set 2 total - Set 3 total = Are any of these differences greater than 1.0?
Set 3 total - Set 1 total =
No. All totals are within 1.0 inches of each other. Enter lowest total of the three sets as the Circumference
Value for block 2.
Yes. Complete an additional set of measurements and then calculate an average circumference value using
only the three closest set totals. Set 4: Waist + Buttocks (females) _- Neck = Total
Add the three closest totals from sets 1-4 together then divide by three to find an average. Round the average
down to the nearest 0.5:
( + + ) ÷ 3 = circumference value to enter in block 2
I agree that the above measurements are accurate (print and sign):
Member:
Cmnd Cadre &/or Witness:
Witness &/or entered by:
Height Round up to nearest whole number
inches
MAX Allowable weight per BMI table pounds
Weight Round down to nearest whole number
pounds
HEIGHT
58
MAX WGT
131
59 136 60 141 61 145 62 150 63 155 64 160 110
65 165 114
66 170 117
67 175 121
68 180 125
69 186 128
70 191 132
71 197 136
72 202 140
73 208 144
74 214 148
75 220 152
76 225 156
77 231 160
78 237 164
79 244 168
80 250 173
Appendix (4)
Health and Physical Readiness The following are the objectives of the OCS Health and Physical Readiness (HPR) program:
• Conditioning and Fitness - Enable you to improve overall health and physical readiness through
aerobic conditioning
• Swimming and Water Safety - Enable you to improve your overall swimming abilities and
increase confidence during water survival situations
• Recreation and Lifetime Sports - Enable you to actively participate individually or as a
team member in a variety of sports
• Wellness - Enable you to live and promote a healthy lifestyle while achieving overall
wellness of bind, mind, and spirit
• Tobacco Use - All tobacco products are prohibited at OCS
HPR Requirements Physical training is a very important aspect of the OCS program. Officer Candidate School is a
physically and mentally demanding program; candidates need to train months prior to arrival.
Do not expect to have time to “get in shape” while at OCS - you will not have time. Do not
underestimate our demands or overestimate your abilities, especially in aerobic fitness and upper body strength. You will be given a physical fitness test within the first 72 hours of reporting.
This assessment will gauge your individual physical fitness level and determine your eligibility to
continue in the program.
To help members prepare for the physical demands of training, there is an OCS Health and
Physical Readiness Preparation Guide which provides advice and sample workouts to
systematically increase muscular strength, aerobic/cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. The
guide can be accessed on the OCS webpage at the below link:
http://www.uscga.edu/subsites/ldccourses.aspx?id=2764
The HPR requirements listed on the next page are the minimum standards that all Officer
Candidates must meet on the physical fitness test.
The initial physical fitness test consists of three parts:
• Cadence Push-ups (2 minute time limit)* • Curl-ups/Sit-ups (2 minute time limit) • 1.5 Mile Run
*The push-ups are completed to an approved cadence that consists of pushing up for one second and lowering down for one second without stopping. The maximum number push-ups that can
be completed in a two minute period is 60.
Appendix (4)
HPR Standards
The following are the MINIMUM standards for the Physical Fitness Test:
• Cadence Push-ups (Men) 30 • Cadence Push-ups (Women) 20 • Curl-ups (Men/Women) 60
• 1.5 Mile Run (Men) 10:59 • 1.5 Mile Run (Women) 12:49
You will also be required to complete a 12-minute lap swim and basic swim assessment to gauge
your swimming ability. The MINIMUM requirements of both assessments are listed below.
Lap Swim:
• 12 Minute Lap Swim (Men 20-29) 18.5 lengths
• 12 Minute Lap Swim (Men 30-39) 17 lengths
• 12 Minute Lap Swim (Women 20-29) 17.5 lengths
• 12 Minute Lap Swim (Women 30-39) 15.5 lengths
Basic Swim:
• Back float - 60 seconds
• Prone float (holding breath) - 10 seconds • Treading Water (no hands) - 60 seconds • Elementary backstroke - 10 yards
• Front Crawl - 25 yards
• Unassisted swim (any stroke) - 75 yards
• 1-meter front dive, remain submerged and swim 15 yards underwater without breaking the
surface
If you are not a strong swimmer, now is the time to contact your local swimming facility or
fitness club to strengthen your abilities. You will be required to complete an arduous survival
swim course while at OCS. Again, do not overestimate your abilities.
Failure to meet minimum standards will result in your placement in a remedial physical fitness
program or removal from Officer Candidate School.
If you have been selected for Officer Candidate School and know you cannot meet the above
standards, contact the school immediately at (860) 701-6887.